intrinsic

American  

[in-trin-sik, -zik] / ɪnˈtrɪn sɪk, -zɪk /

adjective

1. belonging to a thing by its very nature.

   the intrinsic value of a gold ring.

   Synonyms:

   true, natural, innate, native

   Antonyms:

   extrinsic

2. Anatomy. (of certain muscles, nerves, etc.) belonging to or lying within a given part.

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intrinsic British  

/ ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to the essential nature of a thing; inherent

2. anatomy situated within or peculiar to a part

   intrinsic muscles

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Related Words

See essential.

Other Word Forms

• intrinsically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of intrinsic

First recorded in 1480–90; Middle English intrinsique “inner,” from Old French intrinseque “internal, inner,” from Late Latin intrinsecus “inward” (adjective), from Latin intrinsecus “on the inside, inwards” (adverb), equivalent to intrin- (from int(e)r-, as in interior + -im, an old accusative ending used as an adverb suffix + secus “beside,” derivative of sequī “to follow”)

Compare meaning

How does intrinsic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• inherent vs. intrinsic

Explanation

The intrinsic qualities of something have to do with its nature. An intrinsic quality of dogs is that they're loyal. Anything intrinsic comes from within. Doing a job for only money is not intrinsic. Doing a job because you love it is intrinsic; the motivation comes from within. It's good to treat people as having intrinsic value. If you like someone for intrinsic reasons, then you have no other motivation. The opposite of intrinsic is extrinsic, for things that come from the outside instead of from the inside.

Example Sentences

In its ruling, a planning officer said the build would "significantly harm the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside".

From BBC • May 9, 2026

"At this critical power, the nonlinearity can counter the intrinsic disorder, creating a balance that transforms the input beam into a self-organized pencil beam," Cao explains.

From Science Daily • Apr. 28, 2026

Buffett emphasizes intrinsic value—or the value of Berkshire’s businesses rather than their carrying value on the company’s balance sheet since most are worth way more than their historic carrying value.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Buffett emphasizes intrinsic value—or the value of Berkshire’s businesses rather than their carrying value on the company’s balance sheet since most are worth way more than their historic carrying value.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Only light, or other waves that have no intrinsic mass, can move at the speed of light.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Related Words

• deep-seated
• elemental
• inherent
• innate
• peculiar
• underlying